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Although on stage the Scranton group uses one drummer, each of the four members has played the drums in some shape or form, whether it was in a former band, a high school jazz band or even marching band.

The Scranton cover band consists of Ben Bush on guitar and vocals, Jeff Young on lead vocals, Paul Beavers on drums and vocals and Joey Nicholoff on bass and vocals.

In addition to percussion, the members are vastly talented when it comes to other instruments as well, from bass and guitar to violin. When it comes to maintaining a diverse approach to their set list, the group passes with flying colors by expanding their music from hard rock to Top 40 and even some ’80s pop hits.

JumpStart!: How did you guys meet?

Ben Bush: I met Paul in a previous band in the Scranton area where he played drums and I played bass guitar. Jeff was suggested by a fellow musician and fit in with the group quickly. Joey filled in when the original bassist had a Jiu-jitsu injury and fit in fairly quickly.

JS: Where did your band name come from?

BB: When we assembled the original five-piece version of the group, we finished playing a song and someone said, “I wouldn’t call it good yet, but it was better than bad.” We laughed and it just stuck as the new name.

Jeff Young: I told people for the first few months that it was from “Ren and Stimpy,” until Ben ruined it for me. I still secretly pretend it is.

JS: What do you remember about the first time you performed in public together?BB: I’m crazy about details and try to be consistent. I was confident in everyone’s ability, so I remember being focused on making sure things were dialed in, from sound to lighting.

Paul Beavers: I just remember getting a really good vibe with this lineup. Everything just fell into place.

Joey Nicholoff: I filled in one night on very short notice. I think the show was Saturday, and Jeff messaged me on Friday and gave me about 50 songs to learn. I knew about half of them so I ended up staying up 24 hours straight learning the other half, then performing them that night. I think that’s how I got the job.

JS: What is the process like for writing your music? BB: Right now, originals are still in the early stages. I’ve been recording demos at my home studio for the rest of the band to review and put their own touches on. Being a multi-instrument player makes that a bit easier, but still challenging.

JS: How have you changed as a musician over the years?

PB: The only that has changed for me is variety. I enjoy a challenge as I get older.

JN: I started playing out when I was 14 in local clubs that unfortunately aren’t around any longer. Being that young, I learned at a very early age how to collaborate and listen to other musicians. Not just their instruments, but their timing. Having chemistry was always one of the most important things for me, and everyone in this band has that.

JS: What are some of your favorite memories as a part of this band?

BB: Being around other local acts is always a good time. We’ve played shows, CD release parties and benefits with a handful of other bands and always had a great response in sharing fans. Seeing people enjoy the talent in this area is a great feeling. We try to support the friends we’ve made and make an effort to try to get out and see other acts whenever possible.

JS: How has the NEPA music scene changed over the years?

BB: The economy hurt the size of the average crowd which, in turn, hurt businesses. Some places closed, others opened, so venues changed. Some groups that were local moved up to a regional, national or even international level. I think that’s kept the fire going in a lot of NEPA artists, aside from just having a love for music.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced as a musician?BB: Scheduling. We have “regular” jobs and families, so it’s difficult to get everyone together on a regular basis. We’re spread from Scranton to Tunkhannock, so that adds another element of difficulty.

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JS: What are your future goals for the band?BB: We’d like to continue to grow our crowd and expand our area. I’d like to get the wheels turning on some original music and release a CD in the near future. I think that will open some new opportunities for us to grow and play with different acts.

JN: I think we’re all hoping to spread out and hopefully release a CD in the near future. And with the internet now and how easy it is to market and promote, we can do things that couldn’t be done 15 years ago.

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